Bachelor in Public Administration

The Opportunities

Public administrators play a major role in contributing to society and the decision-making processes that occur in the public and nonprofit sectors. A degree in public administration can open the door to a number of careers in all levels of government, the private sector, nonprofit leadership and administration, foundation management and international relations.

The Degree
A bachelor’s degree in public administration provides undergraduate students with the knowledge and skills needed for planning, implementing and evaluating public programs. As students learn to think critically and analytically about public policy, they will better understand the dynamics in their own communities and learn how to be more effective citizens and public officials. Internships and research opportunities are available to students as they complete coursework. KU public administration students have completed internships with the following companies or organizations: City of Roeland Park, YMCA, Governor’s Internship Program, Youth Volunteer Corps of Kansas City, America Reads and Army Corps of Engineers.

The Result
Graduates of the program are skilled leaders, innovators and problem solvers who are prepared to confront pressing social and economic challenges at the local, state, national and international levels. They are educated in contemporary public management and in building professionalism in the public and nonprofit sectors.